How much sun does Forest Bedstraw need?

Forest Bedstraw grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Forest Bedstraw bloom?

Forest Bedstraw blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Forest Bedstraw native?

Forest Bedstraw (Galium circaezans) is native to AL, IL, KS, KY and 17 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Forest Bedstraw attract?

Forest Bedstraw draws bees and beetles.

Is Forest Bedstraw HOA-friendly?

Forest Bedstraw takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Forest Bedstraw

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Galium circaezans

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Forest Bedstraw (Galium circaezans) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, IL, KS, KY and 17 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Great Plains Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Piedmont Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Forests Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Forest bedstraw is a low-growing native perennial with delicate whorled leaves and tiny white flowers that bloom from May through July. This woodland plant forms small clumps and works well as a groundcover in shaded areas where grass struggles to grow.

In an HOA neighborhood

Forest Bedstraw takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Very delicate appearance may look weedy to neighbors
Can appear sparse or unestablished
Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract native bees and beetles during the summer blooming period. The foliage provides habitat for small insects and beneficial arthropods.

Common questions

How much sun does Forest Bedstraw need?: Forest Bedstraw grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Forest Bedstraw bloom?: Forest Bedstraw blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Forest Bedstraw native?: Forest Bedstraw (Galium circaezans) is native to AL, IL, KS, KY and 17 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Forest Bedstraw attract?: Forest Bedstraw draws bees and beetles.
Is Forest Bedstraw HOA-friendly?: Forest Bedstraw takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Forest Bedstraw? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz